About MEHKO
In 2019, the California Health and Safety Code established a "Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation" (MEHKO), as a new retail food facility where individuals operate a small scale restaurant in their home. In May of 2024, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors authorized the MEHKO. The Environmental Health Division, within the Department of Public Health, will issue permits for MEHKOs for Los Angeles County, except in the cities of Pasadena, Long Beach, and Vernon, which have their own health departments. MEHKOs may serve 90 meals per week and 30 meals per day with up to $100,000 gross sales annually.
Ordinance
View the ordinance as approved by the Board of Supervisors in May 2024.
Permit Application and Process
Learn more on how to safeguard public health and prepare food that is safe to consume from your MEHKO.
Permit Application and Process
Learn more on how to safeguard public health and prepare food that is safe to consume from your MEHKO.
Permitting begins November 1, 2024.
lIMITED Time Subsidy
For a limited time, Los Angeles County is offering a one-time subsidy on a first-come, first-serve basis for up to 1,000 MEHKO permittees. The subsidy will waive the initial application review fee of $597. The subsidy is available through June 30, 2026, or until the subsidy funds are exhausted.
lIMITED Time Subsidy
- The MEHKO operation is not in the cities of Pasadena, Long Beach or Vernon.
- The MEHKO permittee annual net revenue is less than $50,000 (net revenue is earnings after subtraction of expenses).
- Must not have previously received a MEHKO subsidy
Apply for the subsidy on the Public Health Permit Application for MEHKO
Note: You may submit all required documentation within three (3) months of your MEHKO application submission. However, the home cannot be scheduled for an evaluation or receive a permit to operate until all required documentation is received. This process may be reevaluated after June 2026 or once subsidy funds are exhausted.
How to Start Your MEHKO
Environmental Health is committed to providing you with all the information you need to start your MEHKO.
LIMITED FUNDING ASSISTANCE
A limited-time funding assistance is available through COOK Academy to help you get started and thrive in the culinary industry. Also, find out how you can Earn College Credits.
Permitted MEHKOs
View lists of Permitted MEHKOs, inspection results, and closed MEHKOs.
Permitted MEHKOs
lIMITED Time Subsidy
For a limited time, Los Angeles County is offering a one-time subsidy on a first-come, first-serve basis for up to 1,000 MEHKO permittees. The subsidy will waive the initial application review fee of $597. The subsidy is available through June 30, 2026, or until the subsidy funds are exhausted.
lIMITED Time Subsidy
- The MEHKO operation is not in the cities of Pasadena, Long Beach or Vernon.
- The MEHKO permittee annual net revenue is less than $50,000 (net revenue is earnings after subtraction of expenses).
- Must never have been issued a MEHKO Public Health Permit in Los Angeles County nor have received a subsidy for the initial application review fee.
Apply for the subsidy on the Public Health Permit Application for MEHKO
Note: You may submit all required documentation within three (3) months of your MEHKO application submission. However, the home cannot be scheduled for an evaluation or receive a permit to operate until all required documentation is received. This process may be reevaluated after June 2026 or once subsidy funds are exhausted.
LIMITED FUNDING ASSISTANCE
A limited-time funding assistance is available through COOK Academy to help you get started and thrive in the culinary industry. Also, find out how you can Earn College Credits.
Safe Practices
Learn more on how to safeguard public health and prepare food that is safe to consume from your MEHKO.
Presentations
Explore past presentations and events.
Permitted MEHKOs
View lists of Permitted MEHKOs, inspection results, and closed MEHKOs.
Permitted MEHKOs
Stay Connected
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Stay Connected
Click on the subscribe button to receive updates about MEHKO. Learn more on how to safeguard public health and prepare food that is safe to consume from your MEHKO.
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Contact Us
8:00am - 5:00pm
Tel:
(626) 430-9855Email:
homebasedfoods@ph.lacounty.govCounty of Los Angeles Public Health
Environmental Health
5050 Commerce Drive
Baldwin Park, CA 91706